The Amorites were an ancient Semitic people who emerged in the early 2nd millennium BCE. They originally inhabited the western regions of the Mesopotamian area, particularly in what is now modern-day Syria. The Amorites are known for establishing several city-states, including the famous city of Babylon, which became a significant center of culture and power under the rule of Hammurabi. The Amorites played a crucial role in the history of the Near East, contributing to the development of trade, law, and governance. Their influence spread throughout the region, leading to the establishment of the Old Babylonian period, characterized by advancements in writing, mathematics, and architecture.